Innovative solutions for challenging wastewater
We have developed our modular precipitation and flocculation system ALMA CHEM MCW successfully at MÖLLER Medical into operation. The internationally active company from Fulda stands for innovation and the highest quality in medical technology, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
MÖLLER Medical is one of the few medium-sized companies to offer the entire medical technology value chain from a single source. From development and design to precise machining processes such as turning, milling and grinding through to final assembly - all processes are carried out in-house to ensure the highest quality standards. Manufactured in Fulda, the products range from the finest cannulas to complex end devices that are sold worldwide.
The versatile portfolio comprises various business areas and product brands, including aesthetic surgery(Liposat, Vibrasat), CSF management(LiquoGuard), blood transfusion(Docon) and radiology(Biopsie, BiopC).
In order to meet the increasing demands on industrial wastewater treatment, a customized solution was developed that meets the strict requirements of the German Wastewater Ordinance (AbwV) Annex 40.
Photo: Our modular CP system ALMA CHEM MCW for the removal of heavy metals, AOX and refractory COD
Table of contents
Challenge: Acidic and metal-contaminated wastewater from production
In the production process of MÖLLER Medical produces acidic and metal-containing waste water from various production stages:
- Electroplating baths
- Vibratory finishing systems
- Electropolish
This wastewater contains chromates (Cr6+), heavy metals and dissolved solids, among other things, which must be reliably removed before the water can be discharged into the sewer.
Photo: Our CP system ALMA CHEM MCW Modular installed in the ALMA Modul technical room container. You can see a chamber filter press for sludge dewatering, as well as the dosing stations for our ALMA AQUA operating resources
Technical implementation: Customized wastewater treatment plant
The new wastewater treatment plant processes 10 - 12 m³ per day and is designed as a two-storey container construction. This enables a space-saving installation with high performance at the same time.
Our solution comprises the following process steps:
✅ Homogenization in stacking tanks
The wastewater is collected and homogenized to ensure a consistent composition.
✅ Chromate reduction & precipitation
A redox-controlled dosing system from ALMA Treat DKS is used to safely remove chromate (Cr6+). This is followed by neutralization and precipitation with our ALMA AQUA operating agents.
✅ Flocculation & sedimentation
Flocculation aids bind the precipitated particles into stable sludge flocs, which are separated in the sedimentation reactor.
✅ Sludge treatment using a chamber filter press
The dewatered sludge is treated using a chamber filter press (ALMA CFP). chamber filter press (ALMA CFP) which significantly reduces disposal costs.
✅ Final cleaning through multi-stage filtration
- Gravel filter (ALMA FIL): Removes the last solids
- Activated carbon filtration (ALMA FIL AK): Adsorbs dissolved organic pollutants
- Ion exchanger (ALMA ION): Eliminates any remaining dissolved heavy metals
Ion exchange regeneration is fully automated by our control technology.
Photo: Interior view of our ALMA CHEM MCW CP system in modular design for sustainable and flexible installation. The CO2 footprint of our modular systems is up to 60 % lower compared to conventional hall construction.
Space-saving design: double-decker container construction
The entire system technology was housed in two XXL ALMA modules:
🔹 Upper technical container: Houses the control unit and the main treatment components, accessible via a staircase.
🔹 Lower container module: Contains the sludge dewatering and operating fluid dosing system, as well as the switchgear to ensure optimum operability.
Photo: Our dosing stations for neutralizing and precipitating agents, as well as our preparation station for flocculants. All equipment is from our ALMA AQUA product series
Conclusion: Efficient & sustainable wastewater treatment
With the successful commissioning of our CP system ALMA CHEM MCW Modular MÖLLER Medical ensures that all legal requirements are met and that production processes are sustainably optimized. The combination of chemical-physical treatment, filtration, activated carbon filtration, ion exchange and sludge dewatering has resulted in an efficient and space-saving solution.
🔹 Compliance with the German Wastewater Ordinance (AbwV Annex 40)
🔹 Efficient removal of heavy metals & chromates
🔹 Space-saving container solution with modular expandability
🔹 Automated control for easy operation
Do you have similar challenges in your production? Contact us for a customized wastewater treatment solution!